Great Public Spaces

Public Spaces Archive

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee

Great Mosque of Djenne

Djenne

,

,

Mali

Contributed by

Project for Public Spaces

on

May 18, 2005

December 14, 2017

An inspiring 1907 mosque hosts a multi-ethnic market in the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa.

The most notable days at the Great Mosque of Djenne are market days, when the square in front of the Mosque fills with vendors and shoppers. People of the various ethnic groups of Mali come together at this weekly market to purchase everything from cattle, meat, fish, vegetables, rice, and all sorts of household goods. The sights and smells of the market mix together, and negotiations between dealers and customers can be overheard.

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History & Background

This Mosque is completely constructed from mud _ mud bricks, mud mortar, and mud plaster. This kind of mud structure can last for centuries if regularly maintained. Once a year, the entire community of Djenne comes together for a festival to make repairs to the Mosque. The festival includes music and food, but the main purpose of it is to repair any cracks or eroded areas of the structure. Huge pits of mud plaster are made in preparation, and the festival kicks off with a race to see who can be the first to bring the plaster to the Mosque.

The site has been the location of a Mosque since 1240, but the current Mosque was completed around 1907.

Related Links & Sources

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.